How can we prioritize God's kingdom in our daily decisions and actions? The Call of Luke 9:62 “But Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’” Jesus speaks plainly and literally. Once we commit to Him, a backward glance—nostalgia for the old life, divided loyalty, spiritual hesitation—disqualifies us from wholehearted service. The plowman must keep his eyes fixed forward; so must the disciple. Eyes Forward: Why Looking Back Hurts • Distraction slows progress; rows become crooked, crops suffer. • Doubts creep in, undermining faith and resolve. • Divided hearts fail to love the Lord “with all your heart” (Deuteronomy 6:5). • Diminished witness: others see wavering and question the worth of following Christ. Daily Choices That Keep Hands on the Plow • Begin each morning in Scripture and prayer before other voices clamor for attention. • Filter every decision through one question: “Will this advance Christ’s kingdom in me and through me?” • Schedule kingdom priorities first—corporate worship, family discipleship, intentional evangelism. • Place non-negotiable boundaries around time with God; treat them as firmly as business appointments. • Practice immediate obedience; delay often becomes disobedience. Supporting Scriptures That Reinforce the Focus • Matthew 6:33 — “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” • Philippians 3:13-14 — Forgetting what lies behind, pressing toward the prize. • Colossians 3:1-2 — Set minds on things above, not on earthly things. • Hebrews 12:1-2 — Run with endurance, fixing eyes on Jesus. Practical Checklist for Kingdom-First Living Time - Tithe minutes: dedicate the firstfruits of every day to Scripture reading. Finances - Budget around generosity; give before you spend. Relationships - Choose companions who spur you toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24). Work - Labor “as for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23); excellence becomes witness. Speech - Let words build up and point to Christ (Ephesians 4:29). Guardrails for the Journey • Accountability partner who asks tough questions. • Weekly Sabbath rest to realign priorities. • Regular fasting to loosen grip on earthly comforts. • Quarterly retreat for extended prayer and goal review. Encouragement When We Stumble • 1 John 1:9 — Confess, receive cleansing, keep moving. • Lamentations 3:22-23 — His mercies are new every morning; start fresh. • Galatians 6:9 — Do not grow weary; harvest is coming. By gripping the plow with steady hands, fixing eyes on Christ, and aligning every choice with His kingdom, we live the forward-focused life He calls “fit for the kingdom of God.” |
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